How 49ers' offensive line has improved since 2016

The 49ers’ offensive line is off to an inconsistent start to 2017. Quarterback Brian Hoyer has been sacked 15 times, tied for ninth-most in the league. Despite ups-and-downs, the unit as a whole has shown marked improvement since 2016.

That’s the take from scouting service Pro Football Focus, who gave San Francisco’s line an overall grade of 58.2, good for 19th place among its rankings after five games.

The 49ers’ offensive line has taken a big step forward from last season as they went from having the 29th-best pass-blocking efficiency rating in 2016 to ranking sixth this year with 48 pressures allowed on 211 pass-blocking snaps. The unit is anchored by its two tackles, Joe Staley and Trent Brown, who both are among the top 17 offensive tackles this season.

Furthermore, San Francisco is one of only three teams that averages more than 2.0 yards before contact on inside zone runs and actually lead the league with 3.10 yards before contact on these runs. The 49ers’ weak spot is the interior offensive line where left guard Laken Tomlinson and center Dan Kilgore rank 63rd and 32nd at their respective positions.

The 49ers lost starting guard and 2016 first-round pick Josh Garnett to a knee injury during training camp. He was placed on injured reserve without a return designation in September, effectively ending his 2017 season before it started.

General manager John Lynch gave up a fifth-round pick in the 2019 draft in exchange for Tomlinson, the No. 28 overall player selected by the Lions in 2015. It wasn’t a steep price to pay, but Tomlinson’s ranking at No. 63 places him among the worst guards in the NFL — not the upgrade the 49ers were hoping for over Zane Beadles.

Staley and Brown have been the bright spot in the 49ers’ offensive front. Brown, a seventh-round pick in 2015, was PFF’s No. 2 right tackle in pass blocking through Week 4. Staley struggled against the Colts in Week 5 but has otherwise been the anchor the 49ers’ have come to expect from the 11-year pro.

The 49ers go on the road for the third straight week Sunday when the offensive line faces another formidable challenge: Washington’s top-10 defense. San Francisco needs the offensive line to continue taking steps in the right direction if it wants to escape with its first win of the season.

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